Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

CCOG for AM 181 archive revision 201604

You are viewing an old version of the CCOG. View current version »

Effective Term:
Fall 2016 through Winter 2019
Course Number:
AM 181
Course Title:
Engine Performance I
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
0
Lecture/Lab Hours:
85
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Introduces the use of automotive scan tools, lab scopes and electronic test equipment. Covers the operation and testing of electronic ignition systems including El, Dl and related components. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

This course is designed for students with no previous industry experience. Students will develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to perform, with limited supervision, the appropriate procedures involved in ignition system diagnosis and adjustments on cars, pickups and vans. This course will prepare students for the Auto Shop Lab capstone courses which provide the opportunity to practice learned skills on customer and school controlled vehicles in a “live shop” setting. This will begin the skill level necessary for employment at an apprentice level.

The course material will be presented in a lecture/laboratory format and include videos, handouts and hands-on lab experience in the shop. Students are required to read assigned materials, take notes, complete homework assignments and research information in service manuals and with electronic service information systems.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Perform engine performance inspection, maintenance, diagnosis and repairs relating to ignition systems.
  • Access and utilize repair information in a rapidly changing technology.
  • Develop and implement strategies and processes to solve engine performance problems relating to ignition systems.
  • Perform repair of engine performance ignition systems to professional and ethical standards.
     

Outcome Assessment Strategies

  • Students will demonstrate effective work with fellow technicians in the following ways:.
  • Attendance requirements include penalties for excessive days missed and lates.
  • Lecture participation requirements include bringing textbooks to class, being prepared to take notes and remaining attentive in class.
  • Laboratory participation requirements include demonstrating good craftsmanship, using time wisely, treating equipment properly, using procedures properly, demonstrating acquired skills and correct use of tools.
  • Demonstrate preparedness for ASE testing by achieving a passing score on all written exams and completing homework assignments.
  • Scoring worksheets completed in the laboratory.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Define and discuss the automotive Scan Tool
  • Discuss ignition system primary operation, components and circuits.
  • Discuss ignition system secondary operation, components and circuits.
  • Define and discuss testing and adjusting base timing.
  • Discuss the operation and testing of spark advance systems.
  • Discuss removal and replacement procedures for distributors.
  • Define and discuss spark knock and control systems.
  • Utilize the Scan Tool for diagnosis and repair.
  • Evaluate properly working ignition system primary circuits.
  • Evaluate properly working ignition system secondary circuits.
  • Utilize a timing light to properly adjust base timing.
  • Evaluate properly working advance systems and repair failures.
  • Utilize correct procedures to remove and replace distributors.

Related Instruction

Computation
Hours: 15

Perform engine performance inspection, maintenance, diagnosis and repairs relating to ignition systems to industry standards.

Students measure engine performance (ignition system) components using voltmeters, lab scopes, secondary ignition scopes and low amp current probes, and compare results with manufactures/industry specifications.  Apply Ohm’s Law theory to ignition system circuit analysis.

Students perform engine performance (ignition system) analysis/testing, using voltmeters, lab scopes, secondary ignition scopes and low amp current probes, etc…, and compare readings to manufacturers/industry specifications.

Assessment:  Feedback is immediate, direct and pass/no pass for classroom or lab assessed activities.  Homework and exams are “A-F” grades with direct feedback delivered within 1 week.

Communication
Hours: 4

1. Develop and implement strategies and processes to solve engine performance (ignition system) repair problems.
2. Communicate effectively with employers, customers and co-workers.
  

Students work in teams to communicate with staff to check out tools, school cars, and have repair orders written for lab projects.

Students verbally explain to instructor methods and reasoning behind various types of testing procedures performed as hands on lab activities.


Students present a verbal report to the class on a subject of their choice related to current industry technical advances, innovations, safety standards, and/or diagnostic or trouble shooting procedures related to ignition systems.

Assessment:  Feedback is immediate, direct and pass/no pass for classroom or lab assessed activities.  Homework and exams are “A-F” grades with direct feedback delivered within 1 week.

Human Relations
Hours: 15

Perform engine performance (ignition system) repair to the highest professional and ethical standards.

Students build on previous course work in human relations to continue the practice of human relations introduced through class discussions and homework.
Students work in teams to complete assigned lab projects.  Team work is focused on working in a diverse cultural environment, being sensitive to Others needs and diffusing difficult situations in a calm and respectful manner. 
Students work with lab partners, staff members, and their instructor to bring customer/school cars in /out of the shop for class lab projects.

Assessment:  Feedback is immediate, direct and pass/no pass for classroom or lab assessed activities.  Homework and exams are “A-F” grades with direct feedback delivered within 1 week.